Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has rejected claims that there is a player revolt at the club.
Earlier on Tuesday, Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas denied reports that he was organising a “mini-revolt” at the Premier League champions.
Chelsea are 15th in the table, having lost six of their first 11 league matches this season
“It’s a very sad accusation because you are accusing players, or one player, of dishonesty,” said Mourinho.
“It is a question for the players. If I accuse you to be a dishonest journalist, you would be very upset and probably would take legal action.”’
Chelsea, who lost just three league games last season, are 14 points behind leaders Manchester City.
They are third in their Champions League group and host Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, before travelling to Stoke in the league on Saturday.
Mourinho blamed “a combination of factors” for his side’s poor form this season, which also saw the holders eliminated from the League Cup at Stoke last week.
Asked about the difference in form, he said: “I know why. I would be here for a long time to explain, it is a combination of factors.
“Some of them I don’t want to touch. But, yes, I know. Everything is football-related.”
When asked if he was taking “too many bullets for the players”, he said: “For my players I do everything, I am not going to change.”
Questioned on whether he needed to show more dignity, Mourinho said: “This moment the way I am going to show my dignity is not to answer you.”
Mourinho was given a one-match stadium ban on Monday and fined £40,000 by the Football Association after admitting a misconduct charge over his behaviour in the defeat by West Ham on 24 October.
He will miss the game at Stoke on Saturday unless he appeals against the ban.
The punishment is separate to the suspended ban he received along with a £50,000 fine for comments after the loss to Southampton on 3 October.
Mourinho is the subject of individual legal action from former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro, who is also suing the club for constructive dismissal.
